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Our parakeet has developed a fleshy-colored bulbous growth emerging from an area toward her back end on the topside of her body. She doesn't seem to be concerned nor does it appear to bother her. As far as can be detected, there has been no changes in her behavior or eating habits. Is this possibly an egg discharge that hasn't been able to release? She is in her own cage directly next to her two cockatiel buddies.

Submitted: 424 days and 20 hours ago.

Category: Bird

Value: $9

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Posted by Dr. G 424 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX,

Thanks for your question. Since you are describing this growth on her back (or topside) near her tail, it is most likely her uropygial gland (aka preen gland). This gland is a bilobed structure and is located right in the middle of this area and will have a small feather in the center of it. You might be able to see it more readily when you give her a bath and her feathers are wet. This gland produces a waxy like substance that water proofs the feathers and even has some anti-microbial properties in it. When she is preening, you will see your bird rub her head over this area. She does this to pick up the substance and then she will spread it over her feathers.

Not all birds have this gland (Amazons and some macaws don't). Sometimes this gland can become diseased. It can become impacted (the wax won't come out), it can have an infection in it, or it can even have a cancer. These conditions are not common, but if you do see her bothered by it or you now notice a change in this area, she should be seen by a vet immediately. If you are able to take a picture of it, I'd be happy to look at it.

There is an excellent article about this gland at: www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/uropygial.html

If you have any other questions, please let me know. If I have helped you today, please click on "Accept". Thank you.

Dr. G

Edited by Dr. G on 9/10/2008 at 4:58 PM

424 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

Dear Dr. G.

Thank you very much for your reply.

I don't know if you hit the nail on the head or not. She is still acting "normal".

I took a picture of the growth, but I can't figure out how to attach it to this reply.

Thanks,
Steve XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX

Accepted Answer

Hi, I'm attaching the information about attaching the picture from customer service (see below). You can also email customer service at XXXX@XXXXXXXXXX.XXX. There should be a tree icon on the tool bar that is used for attaching pictures.

I look forward to seeing the picture. Talk to you soon,

Dr. G

At times, you may need to post your files on your question page, so the Expert can see them. Here are the instructions for posting your files:

For graphics, click the tree icon and then browse to choose a GIF, PNG, or JPG. Upload and then insert it.

For zip files, PDFs, or spreadsheets, you need to use the link tool. Enter text (like "download this") in the reply box and then double-click to highlight it. The link is the tool to the left of the tree. In the upper right corner is a browse dialog box, which you can use to locate your file. Select it and then insert the link. Use the Preview button if you want to test the link and see if it works correctly.

File size is limited to 250K.

Expert:	Dr. G
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	294
Answered:	9/10/2008

Bird Veterinarian

ABVP Avian Diplomate (inactive status), bird/exotic animal practice 15 years

Posted by Dr. G 420 days and 16 hours ago.

Answer

If you still want to try and attach a picture, you can also contact customer service at XXXX@XXXXXXXXXX.XXX.

They can then send me the picture directly.

Dr. G

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Dear Dr. G. Thank you very much for your reply. I don't know if you hit the nail on the head or not. She is still acting "normal". I took a picture of the growth, but I can't figure out how to attach it to this reply. Thanks,Steve XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX

Accepted Answer

Answer

If you still want to try and attach a picture, you can also contact customer service at XXXX@XXXXXXXXXX.XXX. They can then send me the picture directly. Dr. G

Related Bird Questions

Dear Dr. G.

Thank you very much for your reply.

I don't know if you hit the nail on the head or not. She is still acting "normal".

I took a picture of the growth, but I can't figure out how to attach it to this reply.

Thanks,
Steve XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX

If you still want to try and attach a picture, you can also contact customer service at XXXX@XXXXXXXXXX.XXX.

They can then send me the picture directly.

Dr. G